When it comes to made for television films no one beats VH-1. As you recall in 2014 the network scored a huge hit with the biopic on TLC, Crazysexycool, and before that it used made for television films as a pilots for Single Ladies. We suspect the latter is the same for last night’s film, The Breaks. The film is set in the early nineties at the dawn of rap and hip-hop. The genre is rising in popularity in the gritty city of New York City and with youth across the country. Still, the older generation refuse to acknowledge it as a genre, let alone as music or a form of entertainment. Here in lies the story of Nikki (Afton Williamson), David (David Call), and DeeVee (Tristan Wilds); three recent college graduates trying to make their mark in music industry while sharing a deep love for rap music.
Nikki moves to New York to work for Barry Fouray (Wood Harrison), a rap mogul, who allegedly offered her a job when she finished college. However, getting to him and getting the job proves to be daunting, requiring some serious tenacity and drink throwing. Her boyfriend, David, a White boy with a rich father is determined to be a radio program director and spread rap to masses via airwaves. His great love for the music earns him the disdain of his boss, Sampson (Russell Hornsby), and a helping hand from his father, Juggy (Evan Handler). Finally, DeeVee is an aspiring producer who tries to make hit albums by recording in his father’s (Method Man) garage. Not only is his father not supportive, but his tracks are being rejected left and right due to weak content. He may have found a hit artist in Ahm (Antoine Harris), a hardcore drug dealer looking for a way out of the ‘hood.
Needless to say this was an amazing film. We hate that it ended on a cliffhanger, but that makes us hope that it really will become a new series on VH-1. The music, the cast, and the story line are all relatable, believable, and garner some serious nostalgia. If you have ever been anyone dying for your one big break then you respect their hustle, feel their pain, and admire their grind! We all miss the nineties and the time when rap and hip-hop were the voice of a generation instead of R&B’s louder twin. Do us right VH-1 and get us a season of this, we will take care of the ratings! Be sure you catch The Breaks on VH-1. Check your local listings for showtimes.
